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This manual and all its contents are the property of Jeffrey Stephens dba Midwest Hypnosis and/or Whole Life Mastery Hypnosis and may not be reproduced in whole or in part, except for review or other lawful purposes in accordance with the US Copyright Laws of 1976, without express written permission from the copyright holder. Copyright 2009 - All rights reserved.
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For my wife, who has stood by me through 26 years of marriage, good times and bad, and loving me though it all.
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Table of Contents
Outline of Process (The 10 step process) ......................................................................................................................... 1
The Steps......................................................................................................................................................................................4 1) Act of Compliance ............................................................................................................................................................5 2) Eye Engagement ...............................................................................................................................................................6 3) Slow Deep Breath (Second act of compliance) ................................................................................................................7 4) Induction ...........................................................................................................................................................................8 Inductions........................................................................................................................................................................9 a) 8-Word Induction ...............................................................................................................................................10 b) Stiff Arm ............................................................................................................................................................ 11 c) Eye Lock ............................................................................................................................................................12 d) Magnetic Hands .................................................................................................................................................13 e) Revivification (used for re-induction) ................................................................................................................14 f) Hand Focus .........................................................................................................................................................15 g) Hand To Face .....................................................................................................................................................16 h) Modified Butterfly Fingers .................................................................................................................................17 i) Odd/Even - Open/Close ......................................................................................................................................18 j) Wrist Lift Induction ............................................................................................................................................19 k) Standing Hand Press ..........................................................................................................................................20 5) Rapid / Simple Deepeners ...............................................................................................................................................21 a) 3 To 0 Deepener .................................................................................................................................................23 b) Tap Deepener .....................................................................................................................................................24 c) Hand Drop ..........................................................................................................................................................25 6) Boilerplate .......................................................................................................................................................................26 7) Complex Deepeners ........................................................................................................................................................28 a) Fractionation ......................................................................................................................................................30 b) Passing Through the Zero ..................................................................................................................................32 c) Auto-Deepener ...................................................................................................................................................34
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Hypnotic Phenomena (Convincers) ..............................................................................................................................35 a) Hand Stick ..........................................................................................................................................................37 b) Name Amnesia ...................................................................................................................................................38 c) Re-Induction Trigger ..........................................................................................................................................39 8) Change Work ...................................................................................................................................................................40 Transition From Deepeners To Change Work...............................................................................................................43 The Golden Box (Change Work Method) .....................................................................................................................44 a) Weight Management Example ...........................................................................................................................46 b) Becoming a Non-Smoker ...................................................................................................................................47 Symbology Change Work .............................................................................................................................................48 Hypnotic Blitz ...............................................................................................................................................................50 9) Magic Mirror ................................................................................................................................................................51 10) Exduction (Wake up).....................................................................................................................................................54
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1. Act of Compliance
2. Eye Engagement
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4. Induction
6. Boilerplate
9. Magic Mirror
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THE STEPS
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Act of Compliance
When doing hypnosis, it speeds things along if, as the hypnotist, one can get compliance right away. The first act of compliance need not be anything that appears to be an order. Some type of instruction that gets the subject following directions is all that is required. If the hypnotist and the subject are sitting and facing each other, the hypnotist might say, Sit up straight or Move your chair a little closer. If standing, the hypnotist might say, Stand right there or Move a bit to the left. It really doesnt matter what the specific direction is. What matters is that it is delivered with the expectation and tonality that says the hypnotist expects the instruction to be followed. It should not be rude or pushy. Just a direct, command statement. A brief word about tonality; When giving instructions, it is generally best to have the tonality match the intention. An instruction is something that is expected to be followed. This typically requires the Command Tonality. This is achieved by having the tone go down at the end of the sentence.
A word about CONGRUITY: Congruity is achieved when the words spoken match the physiology. As a hypnotist, I know that if I have doubts about what is to take place, no matter how hard I try, something will give me away. This is all that is needed to interfere with the hypnotic process. If I have a solid intent, almost a taking for granted attitude as to the instructions being followed, there will be congruity between my words and my physiology. I KNOW that what I expect to happen will absolutely happen. This is having the mindset of The Hypnotist.
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Eye Engagement
Eye engagement is something that I used for quite some time to quickly move a person from the nearly complete, defocused state to a reasonably high focused state in just a few seconds. I have found that it serves well as a covert test as well, letting me know how much I will need to put into the process that follows, to get the subject into a profound state (somnambulism). The first step is to simply begin staring into the subjects eyes. If needed (though I rarely do), I will gesture by pointing to my eyes. I almost never say anything such as Look into my eyes or Look at my eyes to get the engagement. Once the subject is staring back into your eyes, he is beginning the process of narrowing down his focus. This is what you want to happen. The entire hypnotic process works by getting the subject to have complete focus on one thing, and that thing is whatever you say it is. Now a few important steps that will enhance the usefulness of this process: 1) When you first begin to stare at the subjects eyes, have just a slight amount of tension in your face. 2) Once you have the person engaged, begin to slowly slacken (relax) the muscles in your face, and watch to see if the subject is following. 3) It is not necessary that the subject follow the slackening motion, however, if he does it makes everything that comes after much easier. This is gaining a non-verbal compliance. If you can get this, you are most likely dealing with a somnambulist. I have never had someone follow the facial relaxation that didnt go quickly, and completely. This is the subject that, if you are doing a public demo of hypnosis, you want to have perform lots of phenomena. You will get amazing results with him. Troubleshooting: You will sometimes get a subject that keeps breaking off. He will typically be laughing as this act of staring into someones eyes is sometimes a bit disconcerting. If this happens, maintain your stare, possibly repeat the hand gesture of pointing at your eyes, and give him time for several attempts at complying. If he simply cannot do this, it is best to move on to another subject. This is not to say that this person cannot be hypnotized. However, it is unlikely that he will be very compliant throughout the following steps. Make some remark that you can see he has a lot on his mind and you will let him try again another time. [Note that it says let him try. This puts the onus on him.] If you choose to continue working with this subject, just note that it will likely take a bit more intensifiers to get him fully focused.
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There are a few reasons for doing this. One is that the slow exhale will calm him down inside naturally. It will make what follows easier for him to do. The second reason is it acts as a covert test. If the subject takes a rapid breath, or a very shallow breath, he is not following your instructions. If this happens, say Okay... now take another... only SLOWLY again emphasizing the word SLOWLY. Then take one yourself to pace his experience again. [In my experience, if he still doesnt take a slow, deep breath by the second time, you will probably notice that he is also not maintaining eye engagement. You will probably need to start all over again.]
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Inductions
By inductions, I am referring to a formalized induction. A ritual of specific steps to induce the hypnotic state in the subject. Inductions, while not always necessary, are somewhat expected when doing change work. When people come to my office, they expect me to do something that looks like I am doing hypnosis. I am all too happy to oblige, as this will subconsciously reinforce the change work that follows later in the process. I often do waking hypnosis when doing demonstrations as there is less expectation of some sort of specific induction. However, even in that context, a well done formalized induction will serve the purpose of creating an image in the minds of the spectators and the subject as well. It is a sort of show for them, and can help you appear to have amazing skills (and for some, amazing powers!) The following inductions are some well known inductions used all over by many hypnotists. I use some of them a lot, and others almost not at all. My perspective is that a hypnotist should have a few that they know perfectly so they can be performed, almost without thinking about it. The reason for this is, in my opinion, when doing hypnosis, I want all my attention on the subject. And I really cant do that very well if I am busy trying to remember what comes next. So I have several standards that I use nearly all the time, so I can keep my focus where it belongs. The words simply flow and my attention is set on watching what is occurring with the subject. Nearly all the inductions I do have been modified slightly by me to make them mine. This is not to be different, so much as it is to have it feel comfortable to me. Nearly all good hypnotists will modify most aspects of the inductions and intensifiers (deepeners) to create a natural feel for themselves or to make them better as a performance. It is, after all, important to entertain the audience when you have one. In the following inductions, I include a great deal of dialog. In that dialog I use ellipses (...) to represent a pause. When doing hypnosis, the hypnotist will probably find that he begins to fall into a natural rhythm in his speaking. The ellipses in the text are representative of where I tend to naturally pause. You do not need to follow my pattern. I have simply found that these pauses set a flow that works for me. And most importantly, please do not use any of the following as scripts. Scripts will only hinder and/or prevent a person from becoming a great hypnotist. The following outlines - which include my dialog - are there as guidelines and general direction. Nothing more. If the exact words work naturally for you, by all means use them. If they do not, figure out the point of what is being said and say the same thing in your own words. Please... do not fall into the script trap. NOTE: When setting context I use the phrase Lets do something. That guarantees that you cannot fail. Even in the rare instance that you do not get the result you expected, you were not trying to do anything specific. You were just doing something. And IF that rare instance occurs and the person looks at you and says What the heck was that?, you only need look at him and say, Hmmmm, that was interesting. Well good... Lets to do something else. Then move on to another induction.
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INDUCTIONS
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8-Word Induction
The 8 Word Induction, which I got from Cal Banyan (and have no idea where he got it), is fast, effective, and I have rarely had it fail. When it has failed, it was because the other person was a hypnotist who was attempting to analyze what I was doing and I didnt catch it until after it failed. [Face the person, but have him slightly off to the side. (Right side if right-handed, left side if left handed. Hold your hand directly in front of the other person, fingers together, palm up, and flat.] Press on my hand. [He will place his hand palm down on yours (usually) and begin to press down. Return the pressure slightly harder until he begins to respond by pressing harder. * Bring your other hand in front of the other persons face, about 6-10 inches away from his face. As you bring your hand down in front of his eyes say...] Close your eyes. [Wait 1 to 3 seconds until you can sense he is engaged in the process. (i.e. The look on his face will let you know that he is focused on his hand pressing down. Most likely, he will be looking at the hand with his eyes closed.) Quickly drop your hand and say...] SLEEP [Use a firm voice - with the full expectation that he will indeed follow the instruction - and get ready to catch him very quickly. He may fall forward.] Start a deepener immediately and move on to the Boilerplate. Here are the primary points to remember throughout this induction: One, you must expect it to work. Intent is the single greatest cause of failure with inductions. Second, when you speak, DONT ASK. Tell. Say the words with the total expectation that he will do exactly what you say. By changing the timing, I have had this work on one subject, waited a moment, and used the exact same induction on someone else who had watched the first one.
*[NOTE: You may need to tell him to press down if he does not do so. Some people WILL simply lay their hand on yours, not fully understanding what you expect of them.]
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Stiff Arm
I use this primarily with guys. I have had some ladies mention that they just didnt like it. And this applies to a number of the strength phenomena. It is not a universal rule, just a general rule that I have found to hold true in most situations. Say to the subject: Hold your arm straight out, like this. [Demonstrate.] Good... now make a fist... make it tight... really tight... [Tap the fist each time you say the word tight to associate the tap with the word tight.] Good... now just imagine that this arm is made of stone... with a steel rod core... imagine it is solid stone with a steel rod core... [As you are saying this, tap the arm in several places, or move your hand up and down the arm.] Imagine... this arm is so hard... so solid... that EVEN if I try... I cant bend it... (repeat this) [Try to bend the arm.] Good... now imagine... just imagine, that this arm is so solid that even if YOU try... you cant bend it... thats right... when YOU KNOW that this arm is so solid that even if YOU try... you cant bend it... give it a try and PROVE that it wont bend... when YOU know that it is so solid that even if YOU try... you cant bend it... give it a try and PROVE that it wont bend... [Wait and let him try for a few seconds. Then take hold of the arm by the wrist.] Good! ...now stop trying and just let it go... let all the tension in the arm go... and just close your eyes down now... thats right... [At this point you can either drop the arm and say SLEEP or you can move to the Eye Lock.] I often move to the Eye Lock and keep holding the arm. After I say sleep and he goes into hypnosis from the Eye Lock, I use the arm drop as a deepener. Now... in a moment I am going to drop this arm... when I do you can just let it fall to your lap just as quickly as you want to go... all the way down... because you know... the moment this hand touches your lap... you will go all... the way... down. [Drop the arm just as you are saying down that last time.]
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Eye Lock
This is essentially just the Elman Eye Lock, which is the beginning of the Dave Elman induction. This is very simple and is used by many, many hypnotists the world over. With the subject seated, and after the compliance steps (1 through 3 of the General Outline of Process), say the following: And now just let your eyes close... [Wait for eyes to close and continue.] Very good... and now just imagine... just pretend... that every muscle in and around your eyes is completely and totally relaxed... So relaxed, that its just as though your eyes are stuck shut... like theyre glued shut... they just wont open because the muscles are so relaxed they just cant lift your eyes open. [Give him a few seconds to comply. Repeat if necessary.] Just imagine that the lids... and all around the whole eye... everywhere... all the muscles completely relaxed. [Again, give him a few seconds to absorb the instructions and comply.] And when you know... that those muscles... are so relaxed... so completely relaxed... that you just cant open your eyes if you try... go ahead and try... and prove that they will not open. [Watch for any sign that he is trying and cant get them open. Allow him to try for just a few seconds.] Good... now stop trying and... [Gently tap the top or back of the head and say...] SLEEP... all the way down... deeper... etc. [Begin deepeners.]
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Magnetic Hands
The Magnetic Hands is often used as a suggestibility test for determining how open and responsive a subject will be. First, have the subject hold his arms straight out in front of him with his hands about 12 to 14 inches apart. Reach up and adjust the hands - no matter where he places them. This will draw his attention to the hands almost completely because of the contact. Hold your hand between his two hands with your index finger pointing directly at the subjects face. Tell the subject to focus all his attention on the tip of your finger. This narrows his focus even further. If you just tell him to focus on the space between his hands it will still work, though in my experience, just a little less effectively. The idea is to bring the individuals focus to a small a place as possible. So once he is staring at your fingertip, tell him to close his eyes, but keep focussing on that spot where the fingertip is. Once the eyes are closed you can remove your hand, but continue to refer to that spot and say the following: Keep focussing on that spot... and begin to imagine that there are magnets on the palms of your hands... [At this point I usually reach up and just lightly touch the palms of each hand.] Imagine that these are electromagnets and that the power is turning up and up... and the higher the power goes... the more your hands are being pulled together... closer and closer... Now imagine that there is also a rubber band wrapped around your hands pulling them closer and closer... and the magnets are being turned up higher and higher... pulling your hands closer and closer... and another rubber band is being added... pulling your hands closer and closer... [That should take only a few seconds. If you do not see the hands moving toward each other, keep referring to the magnets being turned up and more and more rubber bands being added. Once you do see the hands moving toward each other, say the following.] ... And you know that the moment those hands touch... you will drop into a deep, profound state of hypnosis... a deep, deep state of hypnosis... the moment those two hands touch... Now go back to the turning the magnets up, making them pull harder and harder, pulling the hands closer and closer. And add more and more (imaginary) rubber bands pulling the hands closer and closer. When the hands are about 2 to 4 inches apart, move your hands just outside of his hands and suddenly push them together a you say SLEEP. Begin deepeners immediately.
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Revivification
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NOTE: If you are following this, you will notice that you are still holding the subjects arm. I use this as a deepener. Immediately after I say the standard deeper, deeper, deeper, I gently swing the arm just an inch or so each way to draw attention to it. Then I say... Now... in a moment I am going to drop this arm... when I do you can just let it fall to your lap just as quickly as you want to go... all the way down... because you know... the moment this hand touches your lap... you will go all... the way... down. [Drop the arm just as you are saying down that last time.]
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SIMPLE DEEPENERS
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Simple Deepeners
Although I use the word deepeners, I dont believe there is any such thing as depth, per se. I view the process as one of awareness subtraction. To explain, let me give one definition of hypnosis that I find very useful. Hypnosis - a wakeful state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility, with diminished peripheral awareness. It is this diminished peripheral awareness to which I draw your attention. I like the word mono-ideaism as a better name for what we do. The objective being to focus a persons awareness to a single thought and that being whatever I (The Hypnotist) say it is. The process we call deepening is generally a process of reducing the subjects awareness of what is around him to the point that all there is for him is my voice and what I am saying to him. I will use the term deepeners simply for convenience. Deepeners should begin IMMEDIATELY after the word SLEEP. The first one I almost always use is simply the words deeper, deeper, deeper.... Its fast and direct, and gets things moving in the direction that I want. I then follow this with one or more of the simple deepeners on the following pages. During the deepeners you may find that gently rocking the subject slowly side to side, or placing your hand on the subjects head and rotating is slowly and VERY gently in a circle will create a disorientation that can be utilized to deepen the experience. NOTE: I frequently use a small time distortion when doing deepeners - both simple and complex deepeners - and sometimes a few other things. I have found that it helps in the focusing process. The reason I believe it works is that my understanding of the mind is it hates confusion. Once in confusion, the subconscious mind will attempt to get out of it as quickly as possible. So by setting up a time distortion (confusion) with just a few words, then going right into the explanation of the deepener, the subconscious mind will jump at the chance to end the confusion and will give in fully to the deepening process. But that is just my opinion. What I KNOW is, it works well when I do it. This is what I say; Now... in a moment... not now... but in a moment... This is followed immediately by whatever deepener I am about to do. For example: Now... in a moment... not now... but in a moment... I will count down from 3 to zero... when I get to zero... (This is the beginning of the 3 to zero deepener which follows on the next page.)
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3 To 0 Deepener
The following deepener is usually my second deepener. My first is always just saying Deeper, deeper, deeper... immediately after I say the word SLEEP. This deepener can be modified in any way you like. I just like to have a specific format that I can use without having to think about it. This allows me to continue the flow of intensification while I am consciously reading the signs of hypnosis in the client. What follows is my own standard patter.
Now... in a moment... not now, but in a moment... I will count down from 3 to zero... when I get to zero... you will be 50 times deeper... [Pause for just a second or two to let it sink in.] 3... going deeper... deeper... deeper... [Please note that tonality should match the words. As you say deeper, you should let your tone and pace go down and slower.] 2... going deeper... and deeper... and deeper... [This is spoken more slowly than the previous line.] 1... going deeper... and deeper... because the deeper you go... the better you feel... and the better you feel... the deeper you go... [Spoken even more slowly...] 0... 50 times deeper... 50 times deeper... thats right... thats right...
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Tap Deepener
This deepener is very simple, yet amazingly effective. It also allows for covert testing of the subject. When I tap the subjects hand or knee or shoulder or whatever, I can observe if there are any visible drops in his physiology. The more profound/pronounced the drop, the better this subject is likely to respond to instructions for phenomena, posthypnotic instructions, etc.
[Use this after any deepener. It is best after a complex deepener.] Here is the interesting thing... when I tap the back of your hand (your knee, your shoulder, etc.)... you will instantly find yourself even deeper... ten times deeper... just like... that... [Tap the hand / knee / shoulder / whatever you mentioned... Look for a reaction, however slight. Whether you get a reaction or not, continue...] ...And it does feel good, doesnt it... thats right... Lets do that again and go... [Tap] ...even deeper... 10 times deeper... and that feels even better... [Wait for just a second or two.] ...and one more time... [Tap] 10 times deeper... thats right... thats a great place... thats a wonderful place...
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Hand Drop
This has already been mentioned with several of the inductions. I use it when I do an induction where I am holding the subjects arm or hand at the end of the induction. It is repeated here as a reminder. [The induction has just ended and you are still holding the subjects arm or the arm is floating in catalepsy.] Now... in a moment I am going to drop this arm... [Or, if arm is floating... I am going to touch the back of this hand...] When I do... you can just let it fall to your lap... just as quickly as you want to go... all the way down... because you know... the moment this hand... touches your lap... you will go all... the way... down. [Drop the arm just as you are saying down that last time.] Very good... deeper and deeper...
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THE BOILERPLATE
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Boilerplate
The term boilerplate is a legal term and refers to any text that is or can be reused in new contexts or applications without being changed much from the original. I use this term because it refers to a small set of instructions that takes control of the environment in which the hypnosis is occurring. In nearly any environment there will be challenges. These may be noises, vibrations, etc. that occur, and over which you, the hypnotist, cannot exert control. However, you CAN exert control over how the subject responds to these challenges. For instance, I have done quite a bit of hypnosis in local shopping malls where there are noises all around, people moving about, even friends of the subject that are doing things which might disrupt the process, intentionally or not. By using this boilerplate, I am able to control the reaction of the subject to these possible disruptions. [Just after the simple deepener(s), say the following...] Starting now... every sound, every voice you hear... inside and out... makes it easier and easier to focus only on my voice... and follow my instructions even easier... [Note that this will even cover self-talk. Note also the presupposition at the end. It presupposes that they are already following my instructions.] And every thing you feel... inside and out... makes it easier and easier to focus only on my voice... and follow my instructions even easier... [As with the first one, notice the ambiguity in the phrase inside and out.... It could mean inside the room or outside or it could mean inside yourself or outside yourself. By being ambiguous, you allow this to cover all possibilities.] And absolutely nothing I do or say will disturb you in any way whatsoever... [This covers you, should you sneeze, say something wrong and have to correct yourself, whatever, it will not disturb the subject.] Starting right now... whatever I say to you... no matter how ridiculous or absurd it may sound... instantly and completely... becomes your total reality... whatever I say... to you... instantly and completely... becomes your total reality... no matter how ridiculous or absurd it may sound... [This is classic patter from stage hypnotists everywhere. I learned it from Jon Chase, but have since seen it used by many different stage hypnotists.] And starting right now... every breath you take... takes you deeper... and deeper... and you feel better... and better... because the deeper you go, the better you feel... and the better you feel, the deeper you go... Thats right........... [This is utilizing the flow. When you say this, you will typically notice that the breathing begins to change.]
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COMPLEX DEEPENERS
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Complex Deepeners
The following deepeners are referred to as complex deepeners, not because they are hard to do or remember. Rather, it is because they involve a more detailed setup. These deepeners engage more than just the go deeper type of process. They engage the imagination more fully and can intensify the hypnotic state to a very focused level. As with all other aspects of the entire process, I recommend learning one or two so well that you can almost perform them in your sleep. Again, this is because once the hypnotic session begins, you should be able to go through your part (almost) automatically while keeping your attention focused on the subject. You still need to be able to adjust accordingly, should there be a need. But typically, you will be able to have most of your attention locked on the subject so you can guide the experience the way you want it to go, to get the desired/requested result. As mentioned, complex deepeners require a bit of a setup, or a list of instructions. Once in place, these instructions are followed with simple commands. However, the setup must be as clear and concise as possible, and easier to follow than it is to explain. During the complex deepeners, as I mentioned in regard to the simple deepeners, you may find that gently rocking the subject slowly side to side, or placing your hand on the subjects head and rotating is slowly and VERY gently in a circle will create a disorientation that can be utilized to deepen the experience. You might say something like the following as you do this; As your head goes round and round... you will find you go deeper and deeper... feeling better and better... The physical contact causes a profound enhancement to this process, as long as the contact is not harsh or uncomfortable. There are many classic forms of complex deepeners; walking down stairs (deeper with each step), the elevator (deeper with each floor), the long hallway with the door at the other end (deeper and deeper the closer they get to the door), etc. Following are the ones I use most. Specifically, Fractionation and Passing Through The Zero.
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Fractionation Deepener
Fractionation is the process of having the subject go in and out of hypnosis repeatedly. It is sometimes used as an induction by itself, such as the Odd/Even - Open/Close Induction outlined earlier. By having the subject open and close his eyes repeatedly, he will come to a state where he naturally enters hypnosis. By continuing the open - close, the subjects focus grows narrower and narrower. The following is my own way of doing fractionation. I do it this way because it serves multiple functions. It acts to deepen the state; it has a built in covert test, and it is also an example of hypnotic phenomena. [My preference is to begin this just after the boilerplate.] Now...in a moment... not now but in a moment... I will count from 1 to 3 and snap my fingers. When I do your eyes will come open, your head will come up, and you will feel absolutely wonderful. Just as though you were wide awake... feeling good... feeling happy... better than you have felt for some time... And when I say sleep and snap my fingers... your eyes will close... your head will go down... and you will go 10 times deeper than you are now... and you will feel even better because the deeper you go... the better you feel... and the better you feel... the deeper you go... [Brief pause of a few seconds to allow this to set in.] Again... ANY TIME I count from 1 to 3 and snap my fingers... your head will come up... your eyes will open... and you will feel 10 times better than the time before... feeling just as though you were wide awake. And... ANY TIME I say sleep and snap my fingers... your eyes will close... your head will go down... and you will go 10 times deeper than the time before... 10 times deeper every time... and it will feel wonderful / great / amazing because the deeper you go, the better you feel. And the better you feel, the deeper you go. And... if you are already in hypnosis... when I say sleep and snap my fingers... you will instantly go 10 times deeper... 10 times deeper... every time I say sleep and snap my fingers... [Pause again for just a second or two.] Nod if you understand and accept this. [Wait for the nod. If it doesnt come (happens rarely, but sometimes...) begin again with the instructions.] [Begin doing the fractionation. Do the three count, and when the subjects head comes up, immediately look him in the eye and say...] That feels really good, doesnt it? [Dont ask IF it feels good. Tell him it does and throw on the tag question.]
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[Do the sleep + snap and immediately start in with Thats right. Going deeper and deeper. 10 times deeper because the deeper you go the better you feel, and the better you feel the deeper you go. [Repeat the process. However, after the first time you bring him up and drop him back down, each subsequent up cycle should begin with...] And that feels even better... doesnt it? [You should be able to tell if he is feeling better and better each time. Some people will have only slight improvement. Others will get almost drunk and giddy by the third of fourth time through.] [Go back and forth 3 to 6 times. Then start in with convincers.]
NOTE: The following points will help you know when to move on. 1) If you have given the instructions correctly, each time the subjects head comes up and you should be able to tell if he is feeling better, feeling happier. This acts as a covert test for you to tell just how well it is working. If there is no noticeable increase in how good the subject is feeling by the third or forth time through, simply drop them back down, do another complex deepener (or the tap deepener) and go from there. 2) This process also acts as a convincer to the subject and to any observers. At the mall, the subjects friends almost always get a huge charge out of watching the subject drop out when I say SLEEP and snap my fingers. 3) After the head has come up and eyes opened 3 or 4 times, this would be a good time to throw in a convincer. Just be sure that, if you are going to be doing change work, you go through it again at least 2 more times after the convincer. Then begin the change work.
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[At this point you should have noticed a shift in the subjects physiology. Often he is smiling, or rocking gently (or you can place your hand on his shoulder and begin to rock him gently - this has an amazing effect), and generally settling all over.]
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Auto-Deepener
This deepener is useful for having the subject deepen himself, for whatever reason that may be desirable.It does require a good setup, but once it is going, it can go on for a fairly good while, taking the subject very, very deep without continued input from the hypnotist. I dont use this very often. [Subject should have eyes closed before this begins. It would come just after the boilerplate.] Now you know... that there is a place... even deeper than this... a state... a place... more profound than this one... What I want you to do now... is to go there... Find that state... that place... that is even deeper... even more profound... and when you get there... nod your head and say okay... [Wait for the nod and okay.] OK... Excellent... and now once again... I want you to go to the state... to the place... thats even deeper than this one... You know its there... go there now... and when you get there... nod your head and say okay... [Wait for the nod and okay. It will probably be harder this time, and each time hereafter.] OK... excellent... now what I want you to do is to keep doing that... I want you to keep finding the place that is even deeper... go to that place... and when you get there... nod your head and say okay... and then go to the next one that is even deeper... and do it again and again until I tell you to stop... Nod your head if you understand... [Wait for the nod.] Begin... now. [Wait for the nod and okay.] Okay... good... [Wait for the next nod and okay. Let the subject continue 4 to 5 times, but dont say okay again for the next few times. Then when you believe he is sufficiently deep (as evidenced by barely being able to nod and/ or barely able to say okay), say...] Good... now stop there and just notice how amazing this feels... and you can feel that amazing / wonderful / profound state of hypnosis in your MIND... and in your body... and it feels wonderful... it feels absolutely wonderful...
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HYPNOTIC PHENOMENA
(CONVINCERS)
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Hypnotic Phenomena
(also called Convincers)
I am often asked for some examples of specific language to get phenomena. What follows are just examples. Context will determine the exact wording to be used. Please do not treat the following (or anything in this entire manual) as a script. It is just an example of one way to get each phenomena. Another question I am often asked is When should I go for phenomena? And the answer is you are getting phenomena the moment you say the word SLEEP as this is when the subject starts following your instructions. However, most of the phenomena which follows occurs right after the deepeners - simple or complex. Typically, I insert it after the complex deepeners. There was a time that I didnt do convincers (another name for the phenomena). My thinking was that since I knew the subject was in hypnosis, and he got the results, it didnt matter that he didnt have some weird experience to point to. However, he would sometimes go tell his friends that he wasnt sure if it really was hypnosis that caused the change. This sometimes lead other possible subjects to lose interest in hypnosis. And, since the subject wasnt sure that hypnosis was the cause of the change, he didnt recommend me. Now I give something to everyone I hypnotize to let them know that they have experienced something amazing. This carries over to the change, leading them to tell all their friends just how amazing hypnosis is. So, my recommendation to all hypnotists is to give them something to provoke the WOW factor.
The primary reasons for a subject NOT following the hypnotists instructions are, first, that he simply did not understand the instruction. If the subject has no reference for the instruction, he will not be able to follow it. You can give the subject a reference for the instruction if he does not have one. Examples: If you want the subject to believe that he is speaking a foreign language and you know that the person does not speak that language, you can say something such as, When I wake you, you will only be able to speak Chinese. You know what that sounds like. It sounds like (insert some oriental sounding syllables). When you wake him, he will make those sounds or something similar. If you tell him he will be unable to recall his name, mention some examples of forgetting things he should know such as times he was introduced to someone and seconds later had forgotten their name. Or perhaps a time when he has forgotten his own phone number or something similar.
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Hand Stick
This example is for a seated subject, with eyes open and a table in front of or beside him. [Reach over and take one of the subjects hands by the wrist.] I am just going to place your hand here on the table... just like that... [Place hand palm down on the table. Press gently on the back to push the palm all the way down to the table. Straighten fingers if necessary.] Now... have you ever had your hand stuck to something? ...with glue? or something else? [Wait for response. Almost everyone has had this experience. Begin to make some general motions as if you were squirting glue under the subjects hand as you say the following...] Just imagine... glue between your hand and the table... hardening glue... sticking your hand to the table... feel it hardening... sticking your hand there... to the table... [Repeat these types of remarks a couple of times.] Now... in a moment I will take my hand away... when I do... that hand will be stuck there... completely stuck to the table... and the harder you try to lift it... the tighter it will stick there... the harder you try... the tighter it will stick... [Wait just a few seconds and take your hand away.] That hand is stuck... go ahead and try to lift it and find it is stuck... in fact the harder you try the tighter it sticks... the harder you try... the tighter it sticks... really try... and prove it wont move... RELEASE! [Only let it stick for just long enough to create the awe effect and then say RELEASE in a strong, firm voice. You will have given him time enough to be wowed but not enough to actually get it loose himself. Then quickly drop him back out.]
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Name Amnesia
There are as many ways to do this as there are hypnotists who do this. I have used several different techniques. What follows is a way that I have had great success with. [With the subject standing or sitting in front of you, eyes open, say the following...] You know your name... of course you do... floating around right there... in the front of your mind... but now I am going to just take that away from you... just take it away... [While saying this last part, I reach up and pretend to grab something from the forehead.] There it is... [I look at my hand as though I am holding something. Then I suddenly act as though I am throwing it far away, out in front of him.] And I am just going to throw it away... far away... right through the wall / ceiling... far far away.... [I look at the wall or ceiling I have just pretended to throw his name through. Then I look back at him and say the following:] Now your name is gone... completely gone... and will stay gone until I give it back... [I look at the subject very seriously and ask...] Where do you live? [Wait for the answer.] And what is your name? [Give him just a few seconds of struggling to remember his name and then suddenly act as though you are grabbing something out of mid-air. Pretend to put it back in his head, slightly touching the forehead as you do so.] There you go... theres your name... what is it? [Typically, he will look a bit startled and blurt his name out. Proceed with whatever else you are doing.]
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Re-Induction Trigger
I am classifying this phenomena as a convincer, although it is technically a Post Hypnotic Command (PHC). There are those that would argue that all PHCs are convincers. I would be among them. Whether you are getting phenomena during the hypnotic event or after it is over, these phenomena will act as convincer to both the subject and the spectators. This very simple, and amazingly useful trigger is set at any time during the hypnotic event. However, it is my general practice to set it at the end of the boilerplate or just before the exduction. [At some point during the hypnotic event (I prefer to do this when the subjects eyes are closed), when you are certain that the subject is clearly in hypnosis, place your hand on the subjects shoulder and say the following...] Starting right now... and from now on... anytime I touch this shoulder and say SLEEP... you will instantly drop into a deep profound state of hypnosis... [Take your hand off the shoulder for a couple of seconds then...] Anytime I touch this shoulder and say sleep... if you are not in hypnosis... you will instantly drop into a deep, profound state of hypnosis... and if you are already in hypnosis... you will instantly go 10 times deeper... deeper and deeper... because the deeper you go... the better you feel... and the better you feel... the deeper you go... [Repeat this entire thing one more time to be sure it is fully understood. Then say...] Nod you head if you accept and understand this... [Wait for the nod. Then use it once or twice right then to verify.]
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CHANGE WORK
(THE GOLDEN BOX)
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Change Work
In this section I will go through the two primary methods of change work that I use the most. The method I use with any given client is based upon the issue that the client presents to me. I do not do regressions, psychotherapy (aka talk therapy), or for that matter, ANY kind of therapy. The term therapy implies treatment. I do not treat anything. That is the purview of medical professionals. However, I hold the belief that the vast majority of maladies that people present with are the result of the conscious mind (CM) and the sub-conscious mind (subC) not being in agreement. My job, as a hypnotist, is to bring these two to a place of agreement, so that the subC - which controls almost everything that happens in the body - agrees to produce the result that the CM desires. This is why it is necessary to be sure that the subject / client understands what he is asking for. Some things are completely obvious and require no real understanding beyond the obvious. Smoking, weight loss, stress reduction, etc. are among the obvious issues that present clear and desirable results. However, I have dealt with clients who wanted to have total focus in the ring when fighting, martial artists who wanted to see and feel the opponents that they are opposing in their katas, writers who want to experience their books before they finish final edits, etc. These are all things I have done for people. Not to mention countless hallucinations involving all the sensory systems for role play gamers and other imaginative sorts. Hypnosis is a VERY powerful tool. It can alter, not only what one perceives with the various sensory systems. It can alter what one believes about what he has perceived, is perceiving, and will perceive. It is just as easy to give a phobia as it is to take one away. It is just as easy to give a toothache as it is to take the pain away. And here is where the ethics and simple intelligence comes in. I dont take the pain away from a toothache because it is there for a reason. If I know that a person has seen a dentist, has had the problem fixed, and the pain is leftover while the repair heals, then I will remove that pain. I DO NOT take away pain that will move the individual to get the medical help they need. However, I will gladly take away pain that is there during the healing process... as well as using hypnosis to have the subC accelerate the healing process.
ABREACTIONS
In doing change work, I specifically avoid those types of therapies which I believe to be more harmful than useful. I have NEVER found a good reason for doing regressions (apart from forensic hypnosis). It has been my experience that the only time a subject will ever have an abreaction is during a regression. I do not use the term abreaction to mean some small expression of unpleasantness, as many seem to do. Nor do I take it to mean what Dave Elman did. (See Hypnotherapy by Dave Elman for a fuller understanding of how he used this term.) There are some specific methods used by hypnotherapists that evoke abreactions on purpose to achieve a desired result. I consider those methods to be unacceptable. In my opinion, it isnt right to make a client feel bad when its completely unnecessary to do so. I put it in the same category as desensitization. I see no reason to force a person to face his fear and learn to live with it, when it is so easy to just take it away.
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In nearly 40 years of being involved with hypnosis (I started when I was 12), I have personally seen only a few abreactions. Every one of them occurred during a regression. And in reading and talking with a lot of hypnotists over the years, it would seem that they generally found the same thing. In fact, the only ones who said otherwise were those that counted any frown or grimace (or whatever) to be an abreaction. This is why I believe that every person who practices hypnosis should know two things: 1) If you dont want to deal with abreactions, dont do regressions, and 2) What to do in the event of an abreaction. It is very simple to stop the abreaction and calm the person safely down. It is far better to have never caused the abreaction to begin with. First, abreactions occur when a person mentally begins to relive a past traumatic experience as though fully in it. Therefore, dont use language that promotes that, or attempt to get a subject to go back to that first time you.... While this could conceivably be used to allow him to relive a good memory, you dont know exactly where they will go, or what else might have happened at or near that time, that the subconscious mind has been keeping from him. So just dont do it. Second, should you accidentally trigger an abreaction, simply tell the subject, That whole scene now fades away and you are safe, right here in the room with me. Open your eyes and you will see you are safe. Be sure you are smiling and comforting when they open his eyes. If the subject opens his eyes and sees you looking terrified, it wont be very comforting. And never, never, NEvER touch a subject who is having an abreaction. It may trigger a violent response. I dont know about you, the reader, but I dont like to be hit. Just my preference.
NOTE: My Weekend Hypnosis Workshop is a 2-day training. On day one the students learn how to be hypnotists. Even if they have never done any hypnosis before. It is not until day two that I teach them how to do effective change work. Because of my number one rule - never waste a good hypnotic state - the first day of the Workshop I have the students just do a quick blitz (thank you Igor Ledochowski for that term in this context) during each practice exercise. The blitz is a simple and direct way to lock in the material, build confidence, engage the learning processes, etc. I have included the handout that the students use for the blitz after the Symbology section. You will notice that it has a few basic positive things to instill and install, as well as several blank lines. I encourage my students to ask the person that they are sitting down with if there is anything special that they would like to have during the exercise. I mention this because I believe that you should actually ask anyone you are doing practice with if there is anything you can do for them as a way of thanking them for letting you practice with them. This includes any street demonstrations, practice with friends or family, whatever. Leave em feeling good and they will come back for more.
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After the transition has been made, shifting full attention to the subC, the following steps are followed: 1) Acknowledge the subCs control over the situation. [Going back to the metaphor that the subC is very much like a bright 9-year-old child, this step of approval puts you in favor with the subC and helps to remove any sense of being pushed around or corrected.] 2) Acknowledge that the subC has been doing its job well based upon the information/goal/purpose that it has been operating from. [This will completely disarm the subC and get it on your side very quickly.] 3) Inform the subC that the information/goal/purpose that it has been working with is no longer true (safe or healthy for the subject). [Note that it says the information is no longer true (ie. the weight that the subC has been keeping the person at is no longer what is safe and healthy for the subject.) You are not telling the subC that it has been doing wrong. You are simply telling it that things have changed and it is time to adjust.] 4) Inform the subC of the new/desired/improved information/goal/purpose. [This starts the transition in the correct direction (ie. the new weight goal or for the subject to be a nonsmoker.)] 5) Tell the subC that this new goal is what is best (safest and healthiest) for the subject. [The subC generally wants what is best for the person. By establishing the new goal as what is safest and
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healthiest for the subject, the subC will have the necessary justification for making the change(s).] 6) Give the subC generalized, yet specific steps to take to move toward the new goal. [See examples of sessions later in this manual. In general, you will refer to specific areas of change while not being specific about how to make the change. For instance, with weight loss the metabolism needs to be changed, activity levels need to increase, etc. You will not be telling the subC to create desires to only eat raw veggies and have the subject want to go to the gym twice a day. The subC knows how to get the subject to whatever weight it believes to be best. So, while I mention the metabolism, I dont tell the subC how to change it, only that it needs to be changed.] 7) Tell the subC to begin now to make the changes in the safest and quickest way possible. [This sets the starting point for when to make the change. Dont leave it to the subC to figure out when to begin.] 8) Get agreement from the subC. [This is done by saying, Nod your head if you accept and understand this. Do not ask the subC if it agrees with this because the subC would have to stop and analyze what you have said to decide if it agrees. It can accept without having to examine it.] The comments above represent the general purpose of each step. Following are a couple of examples of this process for specific issues. The number of each step will be in curly brackets {} to let you know what is happening and when in each of the examples.
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Weight Management
Before you do the weight loss you must know what they currently weigh and what the desired weight is. Do NOT accept some nonsensical, unhealthy number. A 58 female who wants to be 105 lbs. needs another kind of help. And, yes, the following process could be reversed for someone wanting to put on weight. [This begins with the last line of the Transition.] Im speaking to you... the subconscious mind... [Now you will move into the specific steps of the change process.] Up to now you have been keeping ______ (clients name) at ____ lbs/kilos (undesirable/current weight)...{1} ...and you have had your reasons, and you have done a job of keeping ______(cn) there...{2} But now you know that that is no longer healthy or safe for ______ (cn)...{3} Now you know that _____lbs/kilos (desired weight) is where (s)he needs to be... to be happy, safe, and healthy... {4} You know that _____ lbs/kilos (dw) is what is best for ______ (cn) mentally, physically and emotionally... {5} You will begin to adjust his (her) metabolism... his (her) activity level... his (her) hungers and appetites... his (her) cravings... and whatever else you know needs to be adjusted to get ______ (cn) to that healthy and safe weight of _____ lbs/kilos (dw) as quickly as possible.. {6} Starting right now... you will begin to make these changes... to get ______ (cn) to _____lbs/kilos (dw) as quickly as possible... and you will do all this in the way that is the safest... and healthiest... at all times... {7} Nod your head if you accept and understand this... {8}
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Becoming a Non-Smoker
[This begins with the last line of the Transition.] Im speaking to you... the subconscious mind... [Now you will move into the specific steps of the change process.] You are in charge... you are the one that has been creating the need for cigarettes... for tobacco... up to now... {1} You have had your reasons... for creating the desires for cigarettes... the desire to smoke... the desire to have that cigarette... youve had your reasons... and you did that well... {2} But now you know... that is no longer what is good... or safe... or healthy for _____(cn)... you now know that is not what is good for _____ (cn)... you know that is not what he needs to be healthy physically, mentally or emotionally... {3} You know that what is better for _____ (cn) is to be a non-smoker... Not an ex-smoker... a non-smoker... {4} And because he is a non-smoker... there are no cravings... cravings are for ex-smokers... ____(cn) is not an ex-smoker... hes a non-smoker... so there will be no cravings of any kind... and you know that there will be no withdrawals of any kind... because, again thats for ex-smokers and _____ (cn) is not an ex-smoker... hes a non-smoker... There are no cravings... no withdrawals... of any kind whatsoever... and there never will be because they dont belong to a non-smoker... Those things dont belong to a non-smoker... and _____ (cn) is a non-smoker... And if _____(cn) is around his friends... and theyre smoking... that is not going to bother him in any way... If hes around other people that are smoking... it wont disturb him... or bother him in any way shape or form... It just doesnt matter... thats what they are doing... its not something he does... Its not what you do... No cravings... no withdrawals... no problem whatsoever... it seems like the most alien thought in the world... to pick up a cigarette and smoke it... The very thought of smoking just seems absurd and ridiculous... like something that just wouldnt and couldnt happen in his reality... its completely out side of anything normal or real. And it wont happen... The smell of smoke is no problem... no bother at all... if other people around are smoking... no problem... no bother at all... they can do what they want... And should someone offer _____(cn) a cigarette... it will seem the most natural thing in the world just to say, No thanks, I dont smoke... and every time that happens... you will will give _____(cn) a sense of inner strength... a good feeling for being a non-smoker... {6 & 7} Nod your head if you accept and understand that...
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Now as you focus on that symbol... ask your subconscious mind what would have to change with that symbol so that it represents feeling complete freedom from that fear you had... so that it now represents a safe, comfortable feeling... where you once had the fear... and whatever changes your subconscious tells you to make... make those changes... whatever they are... whether they make sense or not... its all in your mind... just make whatever changes your subconscious mind gives you to make... and when you are sure you have made all the changes that your subconscious mind tells you... nod your head... [Wait for the nod. This may take a while. Just wait. Then when you see the nod...] Great... now one more time... ask your subconscious mind if there is ANYTHING else that needs to change... with this symbol... so that it completely represents a safe comfortable feeling... right now... where you once had that fear... and if it gives you any more changes... make those now... and nod your head when you are done... [Wait for the nod.] Excellent... and you know that this is a feeling... this symbol that represents a safe, comfortable feeling... and all feelings belong inside the body somewhere... thats right... and you know just where this one... this sense of freedom... of being safe and comfortable... you know right where it belongs inside of you... Take this symbol... and place it inside you right where it belongs... thats right... and once it is in its proper place... nod your head... [Wait for the nod.] Good... now you can feel the freedom... the safe and comfortable feelings... and you can make it even better... by expanding it out... all through your body... till it fills every part of you... till you have the freedom... and the safe and comfortable feelings in every part of you... filling you... radiating from you... And when you are filled... even radiating these wonderful feelings... nod your head... [Wait for the nod.] Excellent... now open your eyes... all the way... and take a deep breath... [Test as soon as possible.] I have used this with phobias of heights, enclosed spaces, dogs, falling objects, meeting strangers, etc. It has worked every time, usually very well. It does not always completely get rid of the phobia. But even when it does not remove the phobia altogether, it reduces it to a very manageable level. And on these occasions I did a quick bit of hypnosis to finish the job off. Now, some will ask, why didnt I just do hypnosis from the start. In some cases it was because the individual didnt want me to hypnotize them (not realizing that this is waking hypnosis). In other cases, I was just going with my gut feeling. As a hypnotist, I have a lot of methods in my toolbox. Sometimes one certain tool will just seem appropriate at the moment while another may not. I use what seems right at the moment, letting my subC make the decision for me.
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[You have just finished the change work and asked for agreement. Wait for the nod.] Good... now ______(clients name)... [The entire change work was done in a dissociated state. The CM was dismissed and the change work was addressed to the subC. Now, with this one short line, you are reassociating the CM into the process.] That person you see when you look in the mirror... that person is a person of worth... that person is a good person... that is a peson who loves and is loved... a peson who cares for others and is cared for... that person you see when you look in the mirror... that is a person who (insert specific characteristics that encourage the person in the area that they have come to you for - Ex: for a woman who has come for weight loss you might say ... a woman who is beautiful, inside and out...)... [After reassociating the person a moment ago, this part forces a complete dissociation by referring to that person. Please note also that the phrase look in the mirror is set off by saying it as a command. It is an instruction you are giving them to follow. I almost always use a person of worth as the desire to be considered worthy is something common to virtually everyone.] And you know that is true because... you are that person... you are a person of worth... a good person... (fill in all the other things you mentioned before, being careful to use associated language you are a person...) [Now that you have reassociated the person by using the associated language, and associated all of the good qualities back to them, you will now dissociate them again.]
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That person that you see when you look in the mirror... that person is a person of worth... a good person... (etc., etc. - just like the first time) [Then reassociate them again in the same way you did the first time.] And you know that is true because... you are that person... you are a person of worth... a good person... (fill in all the other things you mentioned before) [Get agreement.] Nod your head if you accept and understand this... [Move on to the exduction.] So, to sum up: 1) Do change work with the CM dissociated. 2) Once finished with the change work, get agreement from the subC to make the changes. 3) Then reassociate the CM by addressing the subject by name. 4) Next, immediately dissociate the CM again by having the subject look in the mirror, and using the metaphor of a mirror, have them assign positive qualities to the dissociated image in the mirror. 5) Now, reassociate them by telling them that they know that is true, then you are that person, and finally, you are ... to get them to fully associate with the positive qualities. 6) Next, dissociate the subject again by again giving the instruction to look in the mirror and apply those positive qualities to the mirror image. [Note: you need not go through the whole list the second time. Just hit the most important ones (use your judgement here, but I almost always include the person of worth).] 7) Again, reassociate the subject, just as in step 5. 8) Get agreement from the subject that he accepts and understands this. This must occur immediately after the second re-association to the qualities so that the subject is mentally accepting these things as true for himself. 9) Move on to the exduction (wake up).
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THE EXDUCTION
(BRINGING THEM OUT)
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NOTE: For several minutes after the subject opens his eyes he will still be affected by what is said to him. Be sure that when his eyes open and he is out of hypnosis, that you continue to say the kinds of things that will encourage him in feeling good, in success with what was done in the change work, etc.
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[FIRST do the setup:] In a moment, not now but in a moment, I will count from 1 to 5. When I get to 5 you will be wide awake and alert, feeling absolutely fantastic. [With setup in place, begin the following, with proper tonality.] One... all relaxation leaving the body now Two... energy flowing in from every direction, to every cell and fiber of your being Three... Head up. Take a deep breath, filling your lungs with oxygen. Four... Your lungs are clear, throat is clear, sinuses clear, head is clear, mind is clear and sharp Five [clap]... Wide awake! Alert! Feeling excellent / fantastic / refreshed
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